Alternate uniform takes Kansas back to its roots
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Athletics unveiled Tuesday the ‘Jay-Hawkers’ alternate adidas Primeknit football uniforms, that KU will wear Saturday, November 4 against Baylor at Memorial Stadium. The new special edition uniforms are part of the University’s annual Salute to Service. The game will kick off at 11 a.m.
With inspiration from Kansas’ history as a ‘free-state,’ the special-edition look was inspired by Colonel Charles Jennison and his 7th Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. This cavalry regiment, which was also known as Jennison’s Jay-Hawkers, was established in October 1861 and served the Union Army during the American Civil War.
The theme of the regiment is seen immediately on the matte crimson helmet featuring the calvary’s guidon, a smaller, swallow-tailed flag, showcased on both sides of the helmet. A chrome red facemask at the top of the helmet fades to silver to provide contrast.
Drawing upon the school colors, the blue jersey features the traditional ‘KANSAS’ moniker in all white, while the player numbers are also white, but include a slight limestone brick pattern. On the back of the jersey, instead of player names each jersey highlights a patch signifying the start of the Kansas Jay-Hawker regiment in 1861. Within the logo is a crossed rifle and saber, which were provided to volunteers when they joined the regiment.
The new “Jay-Hawkers” Primeknit alternative uniforms are at the forefront of design and innovation, providing players the perfect blend of style and technology for elite performance. Made with a cutting-edge, proprietary yarn blend that increases durability and abrasion resistance, Primeknit is the premier compression uniform system, featuring the latest generation of adidas TECHFIT technology. Primeknit helps keep players cool and increases range of motion, giving athletes an unrivaled level of comfort and allowing them to perform at their highest levels. The jersey’s padlock system secures tension over the shoulder pads, while the bodymap fit adheres to the player, making it difficult for opponents to grab, hold or tackle.
Additionally, the overall theme is incorporated into the uniform’s crimson-colored pants that were influenced by the company of border scouts formed in 1862 known as the “Red Legs.” This company was known as such because of their red or tan-colored leather leggings.
For more information and images of Kansas’ special edition ‘Jay-Hawkers’ Primeknit alternate football uniform, please join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram via @KU_Football and @adidasFballUS #RockChalk, #teamadidas.
Merchandise featuring this alternate look is available at Rally House Allen Fieldhouse, at Memorial Stadium or online at KUStore.com.
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